if guitars were investments with guaranteed returns (in this case, ts being really absorbed and interesting in the guitar, progressing at a rapid speed and continues to progress), i'd say then invest the proper amount of money(for decent equipments like a roland microcube and a ibanez rg etc.). reason being simple, it sounds great(compared to sx, other starter pack guitar amps) and plays great for its price. and i truly believe that whenever you play through a decent rig, it inspires you to practise because it sounds decent and bright, not too dead and crappy.

maybe it's a little costly, but if the interest is there, then i'd say why not.

maybe the frets were already worn when you bought your guitar? it might be a possibility. what strings were provided together with the guitar?